The Brie and Crab Strata is a delectable dish that combines the richness of Brie cheese with the delicate flavor of crabmeat, all enveloped in a creamy, cheesy base. This recipe is ideal for those looking to impress with a flavorful yet easy-to-prepare meal, perfect for weekend lunches or dinners.
Ingredients
Let’s delve into the ingredients that make this dish so irresistible:
- Unsalted Butter: Used for greasing the baking dish and adding richness.
- Fontina Cheese: Provides a creamy, nutty flavor that complements the crab and Brie.
- Fresh Basil: Adds a refreshing herbal note to balance the richness of the cheeses.
- Fresh Crabmeat: The star ingredient, offering sweet and savory seafood flavor.
- Brie Cheese: Known for its creamy texture and mild, slightly tangy taste.
- Cream Cheese: Enhances the creaminess of the dish and binds the ingredients together.
- Eggs: Contribute to the structure and texture of the strata.
- Milk: Adds moisture and richness.
- White Pepper, Mace, Cayenne Pepper, Minced Garlic: Seasonings that provide depth and a hint of spice.
- Bread Cubes: Act as the base and absorb the flavorful custard mixture.
Recipe Preparation
This dish requires a bit of preparation but can be assembled ahead of time for convenience:
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Preparation of Baking Dish: Start by greasing a 2-quart baking dish with butter. This ensures the strata doesn’t stick and adds flavor.
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Layering: Layer half of the bread cubes in the baking dish, followed by grated Fontina cheese, chopped basil, and then the crabmeat. Top with the remaining bread cubes.
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Brie Preparation: Trim the rind off the chilled Brie (note: keep it cold until this step for easier cutting) and cut into small cubes. Scatter these cubes over the layered ingredients.
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Cream Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, beat together softened cream cheese and eggs until fluffy. Add melted butter, milk, white pepper, mace, cayenne pepper, and minced garlic. This mixture forms a creamy custard that binds everything together.
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Assembly: Pour the cream cheese mixture evenly over the layered ingredients. Use a spoon to gently press down on the bread cubes, ensuring they are all soaked in the custard.
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Chilling: Cover the baking dish and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and the bread to absorb the custard fully.
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Baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the strata uncovered for about 1 hour or until it becomes puffy and golden brown on top.
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Resting: Once baked, let the strata rest for at least 5 minutes before serving. This allows it to set and makes it easier to slice and serve.
Serving and Enjoyment
Serve the Brie and Crab Strata hot or warm, allowing your guests to enjoy the creamy texture and savory flavors. It pairs well with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. This dish is perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or simply indulging in a comforting meal at home.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional content per serving (assuming 6 servings):
- Calories: 507.9
- Fat: 44.3g
- Saturated Fat: 26.9g
- Cholesterol: 257.1mg
- Sodium: 559.7mg
- Carbohydrates: 4.2g
- Fiber: 0.2g
- Sugar: 0.7g
- Protein: 23.9g
Conclusion
With its luxurious blend of Brie cheese, crabmeat, and a creamy custard, the Brie and Crab Strata promises to elevate any mealtime occasion. Whether you prepare it ahead for a stress-free dinner or serve it as a highlight of your potluck, this dish combines ease of preparation with gourmet flavors. Enjoy the rich, cheesy goodness and savor the layers of flavor in every bite of this indulgent strata!
